Sport is safest when everyone plays their role in keeping children safe! The aim for NSPCC's Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport is to bring the sporting community together, to create an open and inclusive culture where parents feel able to speak up and raise any questions or concerns and help keep sport safe and fun for everyone.

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, involving parents, coaches, volunteers, and clubs working together to create a protective environment, with the aim to building a community where young athletes feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive in their sporting journeys. Parents and carers play a big role in encouraging children to take part in sport or physical activity but it also means making sure their sport is a safe place for them to thrive and enjoy.

Being part of an open and inclusive sport community that focuses on what’s best for all children can help safeguard in sport, as well as provide an enjoyable and positive experience for your child. For parents and carers, this open relationship with sports clubs and activity providers can enable more conversations about safeguarding and positive behaviour.

Having an understanding and interest in your child’s sports club or activity will help to create a space where your child feels able to share their experiences with you. Good or bad. This can help you:

• be part of the team
• build good relationships with the club, the coaches, staff, volunteers and players
• support your child and their friends
• understand the possible challenges and risks in the sport
• raise helpful suggestions about how to improve things, as well as voicing any concerns you or your child may have

The NSPCC's Child protection in Sport Unit has a range of online resources, advice, guidance and tools for parents and carers. See links below.